Rio Ferdinand makes Luke Shaw replacement claim as Man United theory emerges

Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Luke Shaw should not feel disgruntled if Manchester United replace him next season due to his damning injury record.

Shaw has not featured since since February after suffering a muscle injury during the 2-1 win over Luton. The 28-year-old tried to return in time for the FA Cup final against Manchester City but did not make it. That meant Shaw played just 15 matches for United in the 2023/24 season.

Despite not playing a minute of first-team football for over three months, Shaw has been named in the England squad for Euro 2024. He has been training this week and could feature in their tournament opener against Serbia on Sunday. If he does feature, it would be his first Three Lions appearance in 2024.

His injury record has not been the greatest over the years, not just the past season, however. In fact, Shaw has suffered 24 different injuries and missed 265 matches during his United career since signing from Southampton. When fit, Shaw is one of the best defenders in world football, but Ferdinand is unsure whether United and Erik ten Hag can keep risking his fitness going into next season.

ALSO READ: United could move transfer strategy away from five-man shortlist approach

ALSO READ: United announce £50m investment into Carrington for 'world-class' changes

"They've got to get a fit Shaw and Lisandro Martinez next season and games out of them both," Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel. "I don’t think Shaw could be disgruntled if United said because of his lack of game time over the last course of your time here, we're going to find another left back.

"I don't think he could grumble at that. But I think he's that good when he plays that they will go again [with him]."

United confirmed earlier this week that Ten Hag will be staying at the club as manager next season. That was following an end-of-season review from Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.